Bahasa Inggeris SPM : Paper 1 Section B (Continuous Writing) (8)
- Snack food
Snack food is a type of food not meant to be eaten as the main meal of the day – which is breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rather, it is intended to assuage a person’s hunger between these meals, providing a brief supply of energy for the body. The term may also refer to a food item consumed between meals purely for the enjoyment of its taste.
Traditionally, snacks were prepared from ingredients commonly available in the home, often leftovers, sandwiches made from cold cuts, nuts, fruit and the like. With the multiplication of convenience stores, packaged snack foods are now a significant business. Snack foods are typically designed to be portable, quick and satisfying. Processed snack foods are designed to be less perishable, more durable and appealing than prepared foods. They often contain substantial amounts of sweeteners, preservatives and appealing ingredients such as chocolate, peanuts and specially designed flavours.
Snack foods are often subjectively classified as junk food; they have little or no nutritional value, and are not seen as contributing towards general health and nutrition. With growing concerns about diet, weight control and general health, health bodies are recommending that people make a conscious effort to eat more healthy, natural snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and cereal grains while avoiding high-calorie, low-nutrient junk food.
Some people prefer to eat snacks a few times a day rather than take a heavy lunch and dinner. Eating smaller meals more often has a number of advantages. By snacking, you can keep your energy levels high throughout the day. There are several healthy snacks in the market that snack eaters can enjoy. Whether you need a sweet, sour or salty taste, one of these snacks will likely satisfy your craving without increasing body fat.
However, do keep in mind that the whole idea of snacking is not to eat too much until you feel bloated. The main aim is to satisfy cravings, maintain energy levels and prevent hunger. Many great-tasting cereals will satisfy your hunger and sweet tooth.
Snack food can be healthy food. For example, a high-fibre wheat flake cereal has a very small amount of fat. Add some fresh fruit and skim milk and not only does it satisfy your craving for a delicious, sweet, crunchy snack but you also get some valuable nutrition as well. Non-fat yogurt is a delicious, healthy snack. It provides a good source of calcium and protein. Snacking on fruits and vegetables not only provides you with a tasty treat but it also helps you meet your daily vitamin, mineral and fibre requirements. Fruits and vegetables are very convenient snacks. Most of them come in their own handy wrappers.
The golden rule of snacking is to eat wholesome healthy food. It should not be junk food that is high in calories and sugar.
TUNAS WIRA 